What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a holistic treatment approach.
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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and similar aromatic compounds from plants, for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health. Preliminary scientific evidence is growing in all these areas. Edris AE, Pharmaceutical and therapeutic potentials of essential oils and their individual volatile constituents: a review, Phytotherapy Research, 21 (4): 308-323, 2007 An aroma therapist is the person who performs the aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a generic term. It is used by manufacturers (of personal care, wellness and hygiene products) as well as practitioners, including massage therapists, chiropractors, nurses and doctors. Over-the-counter products that make use of essential oils (or their constituents, such as menthol and methyl salicylate) include mouthwashes, liniments and "rubbing ointments", such as Listerine, Mentholatum Deep Heat and Vicks VapoRub. However, aromatherapy purists insist that neither essential oil constituents as such, nor synthetic fragrant chemicals, should ever be used.Tisserand, Robert (1977). The Art of Aromatherapy. London: C.W. Daniel. ISBN 085207140X
Because many essential oils are potent antimicrobials, they can be useful in the treatment of infectious disease.Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties, Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19 (1): 50-26, doi: 10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. They are used as medicines, often in combination with other herbal preparations, by a small group of doctors in France. In nursing, essential oils are increasingly used in pain management, anxiety/depression, and Alzheimer's disease.van der Watt G, Janca A. Aromatherapy in nursing and mental health care, Contemporary Nurse, 30 (1):69-75, 2008 Aromatherapy may be used in combination with other forms of alternative medicine. Terms such as 'essential oil therapy' 'clinical aromatherapy' and 'medical aromatherapy' have been used by some journals, educational institutions and practitioners, in order to distance themselves from association with the commercial aspects.
An Introduction To Aromatherapy
Kent Pinkerton
The art and science of using volatile oils for the psychological and physical well-being is called aromatherapy. These volatile oils are derived from plants. Essential oils are used the most in aromatherapy on account of their innumerable benefits they have on the mind-body system of human beings. There are many types of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to fetch different therapeutic results.Aromatherapy is said to trigger certain biochemical responses in the brain that in turn activate certain dormant function of the body and mind to impart a sense of well-being. Since aromatherapy is widely practiced, there is an array of products in the market that are sold as aromatherapy products, but actually are not. Sometimes even certain types of perfumes are passed on as aromatherapy oils.
The fakes do not get the desired results that one would expect from a real aromatherapy product. The fakes normally use fragrance oils in place of true aromatherapy oils. So while buying an aromatherapy product it should be ensured that the brand belongs to a reputed company and the ingredients are clearly listed on the container.
Aromatherapy has been in use for thousands of years now, even if it came to be known as aromatherapy somewhere after 20th century. Aromatherapy is said to be of Chinese origin. Egyptians have used aromatherapy by drawing distilled oils from cinnamon, nutmeg, cedar wood, clove, and myrrh. From Egyptians it is said to have passed on to Greek. Aromatherapy has also been used by Persians and Indians thousands of years ago.
Backed by a rich history, it is only in 19th century that the perfumery industry woke up to the benefits of using aromatherapy for financial gains. This was also the time when aromatherapy began to be tested in scientific laboratories for understanding the important mechanisms of aromatherapy products on mind and body. As a result of its impact on mind, aromatherapy is also considered as a forte of people indulging in spiritual practices.
Aromatherapy provides detailed information on Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Oil, Aromatherapy Candles, Aromatherapy Diffusers and more. Aromatherapy is affiliated with Acupuncture Schools.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
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Cool Sites About Aromatherapy
- Suite101 Aromatherapy Course
- This free online course reviews the history of aromatherapy, what it can be used for, and even provides many recipes and tips on how you can make your own aromatherapy items.
- Aromcaring.co.uk
- Aromacaring.co.uk offers an encyclopedia of essential oils, free online courses, an outline on the olfactory sense in the body, and numerous other similar items of interest.
- AGORA
- This site offers information about past and current research on everything to do with aromatherapy along with in depth information on the various essential oils and applications of aromatherapy.
- Free Aromatherapy Dictionary
- Download your very own free aromatherapy dictionary at this site.
- Answers.com
- This site provides information and resources about aromatherapy research and uses.
- Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education, Inc. (CARE)
- This is the site belonging to an educational organization dedicated to assembling research and disseminating information on the healing properties and therapeutic applications of essential oils.
- aromatherapy essential oils
- A reputable supplier of aromatherapy essential oils, custom aromatherapy products, aromatherapy gifts and aromatherapy information.
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Posted August 23, 2008
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Posted June 30, 2008
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Posted December 18, 2007
by DeniseN
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